5/17/2010

Hard-rocking singer Ronnie James Dio passed away on Sunday at theage of 67.

The former singer for Black Sabbath, who fronted the band brieflyafter Ozzy Osbourne's 1980 exit, had been struggling with stomachcancer, and had undergone seven rounds of chemotherapy.

His wife and manager Wendy Dio confirmed the sad news on hiswebsite, noting that "many, many friends and family were ableto say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away...Ronnie knew how much has was loved by all."'

Wendy had admitted it was a challenge replacing the enormouslypopular Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. "Ozzy especially hadsome real staunch fans, and for someone else to come intoSabbath, God, that was sacrilegious," he said.

He was known for his wailing vocals and for the "devil's horns"gesture that has become a heavy-metal trademark.

In March, Wendy vowed to beat his disease."Cancer? I'll kick thehell out of you...I refuse to be beaten in any shape or form soI'm going to beat you, too."